By Stella Odueme
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has donated high-specification HP OmniBook laptop computers to the National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) to strengthen digital literacy and improve technology-driven teaching and administration.
The initiative also includes the enrolment of 1,135 WICE members in online digital literacy courses aimed at equipping women educators with relevant technological skills to improve teaching, research and administrative efficiency.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, disclosed this at the 30th Annual National Conference of WICE, themed “Dual Mandate: Global Impact; Reimagining Teacher Education for Sustainable Development.”
According to a statement by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, on Wednesday, Inuwa said the provision of the computers would enhance documentation, information management, communication, coordination and collaboration among the association's leadership and members.
He explained that the training programme was being delivered through the NITDA-Cisco Networking Academy platform as part of efforts to strengthen the digital competencies of women educators across the country.
According to him, NITDA is also supporting an in-person masterclass focusing on productivity tools, cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to complement the online courses.
He said the practical training would help participants improve workplace productivity, embrace emerging technologies and promote responsible digital practices in their professional activities.
The NITDA chief executive noted that the interventions aligned with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) 2023, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.
He added that the programmes also supported the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda and its commitment to building a digitally skilled and inclusive society.
Inuwa reaffirmed the agency's commitment to strengthening its partnership with WICE, stressing that providing women educators with appropriate technological tools and digital skills would improve teaching and learning outcomes while preparing a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at the conference, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the dual mandate of Colleges of Education presented opportunities to expand access to higher education, improve teacher preparation and equip graduates with the skills required to address emerging national and global challenges.
The governor emphasised the need for sustained investment in educational infrastructure, research, digital learning, staff development and institutional capacity.
He observed that teacher education must evolve in response to technological advancements, artificial intelligence and changing labour market demands.
Yusuf also acknowledged the contributions of women to educational development but identified persistent challenges, including limited leadership opportunities, inadequate funding for professional development and insufficient access to digital resources.
He called for stronger partnerships between Colleges of Education and schools to ensure that teacher preparation programmes remained relevant to learners' needs and societal expectations.
In her remarks, WICE National President, Dr Magdaline Bisong, described the conference as an opportunity for professional renewal, knowledge sharing, networking and strategic collaboration among women educators.
She said the gathering was designed to advance teacher education for sustainable development while strengthening the personal and professional capacities of members.
Bisong reaffirmed the association's commitment to empowering women in education, building stronger professional networks and promoting collaboration to improve educational outcomes and contribute to national development.